OpenSSH activation for Windows 10

Prerequisite

  • This feature is available (and mandatory) on Windows 10 version 1809 and higher.

  • For lower versions, please continue to use Putty, KiTTY or MobaXterm.

  • To know your Windows version, go to the menu Settings → System → System Information and check the version number.

Windows version

Fig. 7 Windows System Information

Activate OpenSSH service

  • In the Windows search bar type programs and click Add or Remove Programs.

Add or Remove Programs

Fig. 8 Add or Remove Programs

  • Click Applications and Features on the left, then click Optional Features.

Optional Features

Fig. 9 Windows Optional Features

  • Select OpenSSH Client, then click Install.

Windows OpenSSH Client

Fig. 10 Windows OpenSSH Client

Configure the SSH agent

  • In the Windows search bar, type services, select Services and click Run as administrator.

Windows Services

Fig. 11 Windows Services

  • Double-click OpenSSH Authentication Agent, set the startup type to Automatic, click Apply, and then click Start.

SSH Agent Configuration

Fig. 12 SSH Agent Configuration

Use of SSH

  • Open a command prompt (type cmd in the Windows search bar)

Windows Terminal

Fig. 13 Windows Terminal

Windows SSH commands

Fig. 14 Windows SSH commands